Why measure CO2 for commercial ventilation?
The primary indoor source of CO₂ in office buildings is the breathing of the building’s occupants. CO₂ concentration in office buildings typically ranges from 390 to 2,500 ppm.
Current laws regarding the measuring of CO state that the maximum allowed value is 35 ppm. Rules about measuring the CO₂ do not exist, despite it being equally important. Therefore, it is useful to measure both gases to ensure personal safety.
The Threshold Limit Value for 8-hour time-weighted-average exposures to CO₂ is 5,000 ppm. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) currently recommend the minimum ventilation rate for offices to be 10 litres/s per person. This corresponds to an approximate steady state indoor concentration of 910 ppm, based on the assumption that outdoor CO₂ is 390 ppm and indoor CO₂ generation rate is 0.31 litres/min and person.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is used to describe a set of symptoms with unidentified aetiology, frequently reported by workers in office buildings. The individuals who suffer from SBS report that the symptoms occur when they spend time indoors (particularly in office buildings) and that the symptoms lessen while away from the building.
How does it work?
In order to have optimum ventilation, and to determine the correct level of fresh air in a zone, it is important to use affordable and stable sensor technology to measure CO₂ concentrations. Proper CO₂ measurements in a space make it possible to control the level depending on the person’s air circulation at any given moment.
The sensor controls the requirements of fresh air in individual spaces and then sends a signal to a computer that controls the main ventilation system. Complete air-handling and air-conditioning units help us create a better indoor environment, as well as obvious energy savings.
Key Benefits:
- Public safety
- Energy savings
- Reduced costs
- Environmental savings
- Good indoor air quality